ITN probed for non-recovery of Rs 115m from MR

Former ITN chief to record statement tomorrow:

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

Former chairman of Independent Television Network (ITN), Anura Siriwardane, will appear before the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges tomorrow (31) to respond to allegations of financial manipulation.

Commission Secretary, Lacille de Silva, said Siriwardane will appear before the CoI to record his evidence in connection with allegations of large scale monetary loss to the State- owned television station. According to public complaints received by the CoI, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has not paid Rs. 115 million due to the institution for his election advertisements telecast during the 2015 presidential election campaign.

According to complaints currently being probed by the Commission, the State channel had charged double the amount for airtime from common opposition presidential candidate, Maithripala Sirisena.

Following the presidential election, ITN had reimbursed Rs. 8.9 million to President Maithripala Sirisena for non-telecast of paid advertisements.

“The CoI believes the non-recovery of dues from the former President for his election propaganda on ITN has caused severe financial losses to the media institution and this needs explanation,” de Silva explained.